North Korea demonstrated its defiance by launching multiple ballistic missiles. This provocative act occurred while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting Seoul for the Summit for Democracy. The missiles were fired toward the East Sea (also known as the Sea of Japan), marking the first such launch in the past two months.
On Monday morning, around 7:44 a.m., North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles from a province southeast of Pyongyang. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff promptly communicated this development to reporters via a text message. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida confirmed that multiple missiles were indeed fired. Fortunately, there have been no reports of damage, as the projectiles landed outside of Japan’s exclusive economic zone.
North Korea fires ballistic missiles as Blinken visits Seoul https://t.co/xFomz0TUcg
— Nikkei Asia (@NikkeiAsia) March 18, 2024
North Korea launched three ballistic missiles toward the east coast, with a maximum altitude of approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles). These missiles traveled approximately 350 kilometers. Although Japan’s Ministry of Defense did not specify the type of projectiles, the trajectory closely resembles that of short-range ballistic missiles previously tested by North Korea.
This marks North Korea’s first ballistic missile test in approximately two months. The content of the barrage remains unclear. North Korea has a history of commenting on missile launches the day after, and these actions are often strategically timed to coincide with high-profile political events involving the United States, South Korea, and Japan.
In mid-January, Kim Jong Un’s regime conducted a ballistic missile test, launching an intermediate-range rocket aimed at U.S. bases in Asia. According to state media, this projectile was a “hypersonic” missile, signifying that it utilized a reentry vehicle capable of altering its flight trajectory at high speeds.
Kim Jong Un and his official media have escalated their rhetoric, frequently targeting the United States and South Korea. The North Korean leader has unequivocally declared that the era of peaceful unification is no longer viable, even going so far as to remove the concept from the country’s constitution.
Before the missile launch, Kim Jong Un personally supervised military exercises that involved live fire from an artillery unit capable of striking Seoul, the capital of South Korea. These drills simulated the assault on a South Korean border guard post and showcased the deployment of North Korea’s latest tank.
These intensified military maneuvers occurred concurrently with South Korea engaging in joint military exercises alongside the United States.
On March 14, the United States and South Korea wrapped up their annual Freedom Shield 2024 exercises. These comprehensive military drills spanned land, sea, and air domains, specifically designed to counter the potential threats posed by North Korea. For decades, Pyongyang has vehemently opposed these joint exercises, viewing them as a precursor to invasion.
In February, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un asserted that he possesses the legal right to obliterate South Korea. This statement comes after he removed the concept of peaceful unification from his state’s national policy at the beginning of the year.
Furthermore, Kim’s regime has escalated tensions with South Korea by abolishing laws for economic cooperation, conducting cruise missile tests, and using threatening language toward Seoul.
There is growing speculation that Kim Jong-un may be shifting his stance, moving away from his previous bellicose outbursts and preparing for potential conflict.
US President Joe Biden has issued a stern warning to Kim: any attempt to launch a nuclear attack would spell the demise of his regime.
Recent reports suggest that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is involved in a significant weapons transfer to Russia, specifically for President Vladimir Putin’s war on Ukraine.
The munitions being transferred include artillery shells and ballistic missiles. This unexpected collaboration between North Korea and Russia marks a notable shift in their relationship.
Kim’s recent visit to Russia, including a summit with Putin, underscores how their interests are aligning amidst escalating confrontations with the West.
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